Protein-Binding Capacity of Poly (2-Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate) (Pdmaema)

The most significant aspect of drug delivery is targeting delivery of drugs to specific sites. In the targeted delivery systems, suitable carriers of drugs are needed in order to carry a sufficient dose of drugs to the specific sites. 1 Due to its unique chemical properties, poly (2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (pDMAEMA)is currently under investigation as a pharmaceutical carrier and exceptional promise in biomedical applications.2-3 Recent studies using SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance), and UV-Vis Spectrometry show that pDMAEMA has a high binding capacity for Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), a negatively charged protein becoming more popular for its usefulness as a generic polymer in many researches. In aqueous solution, pDMAEMA's structure and net charge change depending on the properties of the solution such as its pH level, ionic strength, and temperature. Its thermally responsiveness and LCST, very close to average human body temperature, make it a promising candidate for drug delivery. Previous research shows that not only temperature, but also pH is another important factor that determines the polymer's binding capacity with negatively charged Bovine serum albumin (BSA). 3 In order to measure the efficiency of pDMAEMA as protein carriers, we first need to study the binding interaction between the polymer and protein. And in this project, protein-binding study was done using UV-Vis spectrometry and Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM).

References 1. Kumar, M., Kumar, N., Taylor&Francis, 2001, Polymeric Controlled Drug-Delivery Systems: Perspective Issues and Opportunities, 27, 1/2001, 1-30, , 2006 Oct 13. 2. Lucas, B., 2005, Evaluation of dual color fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy for the characterization of antisense oligonucleotide/carrier complexes for intracellular delivery, 3, 27, , 2006 Oct 13. 3. Kusumo,A., 2005, Polymer Brushes with High Protein-Binding Capacity Based on Poly(Dimethylamino Ethylmethacrylate), , 2006 Oct 13.